Segmented Lens System for Dual-Wavelength Iris and Visible Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices with embedded cameras are not adequately configured for acquiring high-quality iris biometric data or visible images due to unsuitable lens configurations, which limits their effectiveness in authentication and imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A lens system with interchangeable filter configurations allows for selective passage of infrared and visible light, enabling the acquisition of high-quality biometric iris images and non-biometric images by adjusting filter positions and types to optimize depth of field for both IR and visible light imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lens configuration is used for both IR and visible light imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality and depth of field cannot be optimized for both wavelengths simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple zones with different optical properties. The central zone is optimized for visible light imaging while the peripheral zone is optimized for IR imaging, allowing each zone to maintain high image quality for its designated wavelength range without requiring completely separate lens systems
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lens are assigned different functional characteristics. The central region provides depth of field optimization for visible light, while the annular region provides depth of field optimization for IR, enabling local optimization of image quality for each wavelength without compromising overall system simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If the lens is optimized for visible light imaging, then visible image quality is improved, but IR iris image acquisition quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens aperture is segmented into a central visible-light-optimized zone and a peripheral IR-optimized zone, allowing both visible and IR imaging to achieve reliable quality simultaneously through spatial separation of optical functions
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters (focal length, curvature, refractive index) are varied across different zones of the lens to accommodate the different wavelength requirements, with the central zone having parameters optimized for visible light and the peripheral zone having parameters optimized for IR wavelengths
3Reliability
If the lens is optimized for IR imaging, then IR iris image acquisition quality is improved, but visible image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is spatially segmented into functional zones where the peripheral annular region is optimized for IR imaging while the central region maintains visible light optimization, ensuring both imaging modes achieve reliable quality without mutual interference
Solution Approach 2:
The lens exhibits local quality variation where different radial zones have optimized optical properties for their designated wavelength range, with the peripheral zone providing reliable IR imaging and the central zone providing reliable visible imaging
4Device complexity
If a fixed lens-to-sensor distance is used, then device complexity is reduced, but depth of field cannot be independently optimized for different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The lens-to-sensor distance optimization is segmented by spatial zone rather than requiring separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms, with the central zone providing appropriate depth of field for visible light and the peripheral zone providing appropriate depth of field for IR at the same sensor plane
Solution Approach 2:
A single fixed lens-to-sensor distance configuration serves multiple functions by accommodating both visible and IR imaging requirements through the lens's zoned optical design, eliminating the need for wavelength-specific distance adjustments while maintaining optimized depth of field for both modes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a single sensor or camera to efficiently capture biometric iris data and non-biometric images by optimizing the lens configuration for specific light wavelengths, improving image quality and depth of field for both near-range IR and mid-to-far-range visible light applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter over a first portion of the lens and a second filter over a second portion of the lens... a third filter may operate with the lens and the second filter to allow visible light... a fourth filter may operate with the lens and the first filter to allow IR light
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for acquiring IR light and visible light images. A lens may be configured to operate in at least a first configuration and a second configuration. The lens may have a first filter over a first portion of the lens and a second filter over a second portion of the lens. In the first configuration, a third filter may operate with the lens and the second filter to allow visible light from a first object located beyond a predetermined distance from the lens to pass and be focused on a sensor for image acquisition. In the second configuration, a fourth filter may operate with the lens and the first filter to allow IR light from a second object located within the predetermined distance to pass and be focused on the sensor for image acquisition.